Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a display surface. The display surface can be moved and has indicia mounted on the display surface. A guide track holds the display surface. The guide track guides the shape of the display surface. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and moves the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator. The controller is configured to position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. Several game embodiments using a guide track are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED AND CO-PENDING PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication having Ser. No. 10/806,636 filed Mar. 23, 2004, and entitled“Gaming Display with Moveable Indicator and Methods of Use, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application having Ser.No. 10/309,736, filed Dec. 3, 2002, and entitled “Gaming Device WithAnimated Figure,” which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No.6,537,152 to Seelig et al., which issued on Mar. 25, 2003.

This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/824,136, filed Aug. 31, 2006 and entitled“Gaming Display with Movable Indicator and Methods of Use”. The contentsof which are herein incorporated by reference in entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly,to a gaming device having at least one moveable indicator that indicatesa prize to a player.

BACKGROUND

Gaming devices are well known in the art, and a large variety of gamingdevices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users orplayers to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcomeof the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event.For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator togenerate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types arereferred to as a “random number”).

The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example,the random number may then be compared to a predefined table todetermine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random numberfalls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may winthe corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain displayinformation that allows the gaming device to generate a display thatcorresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may presentthe outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such asmechanical spinning reels or video screens.

Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that areawarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game maysimply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize isgenerally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from theprimary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined eventoccurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No.5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinninggame reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinningwheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and eachsection has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indiciaare displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheelof the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed asthe symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prizeis awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No.6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonusaward display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and amechanical, movable pointer.

One of the problems associated with the devices disclosed in thesereferences is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicated to theplayer almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, a bonus awardis selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. The player can seewhat the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers havestopped moving. What has long been needed is a device that utilizesintermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and theawarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element of anticipationand excitement for the players. It is further desired that theintermediate steps involve an eye-catching display. Another problemassociated with Adams and Baerlocher et al. is that they utilize a plaincombination of wheel and pointer. The applicants have discovered morethings that can be done to display devices to make them more attractiveand interesting to play.

Generally, bonus prizes are awarded in order to increase the excitementand enjoyment experienced by players, which attracts more players to thegame and encourages players to play longer. When this occurs, the gamingdevices tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gamingdevices. A shortcoming of present bonus games is that they do notsufficiently allow players to interact with the gaming device, includingduring bonus games.

Other attempts have been made to provide player interaction. U.S. Pat.No. 5,788,573 to Baerlocher et al. (hereinafter, “Baerlocher”) purportsto suggest a gaming device with an electronic “wheel of fortune game.”Several flippers appear to indicate positions on the wheel. Baerlocherappears to suggest that the player may be allowed to choose whichflipper is used to select an indicium on the wheel. The player, however,does not appear to have any control over the position of the flipper andthe flippers do not appear to be capable of moving to differentpositions.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,300 to Glavich (hereinafter, “Glavich”) and U.S.Pat. No. 6,439,995 to Hughs-Baird et al. (hereinafter, “Hughs-Baird”)purport to suggest a gaming system having a bonus feature where a playermay be allowed to select a number of selectable items, which may beprize representations, on a video display. Glavich and Hughs-Baird donot appear to suggest using prize indicators, moveable prize indicators,or allowing a player to position a prize indicator.

SUMMARY Advantages

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for conductinggames;

provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displayingprizes;

the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;

the ability to encourage players to play longer on a gaming apparatus;

provide at least one attractive prize indicator;

provide a unique combination of reel-type display and moveableindicator;

provide a display for displaying indicia on a first axis and a moveableindicator configured to indicate an indicium from a second axisorthogonal to the first axis;

allow players to control the movement of a prize indicator;

provide a moving display surface;

provide a moving display with a relatively long path length;

provide a display that allows for a relatively larger number of indiciato be displayed;

provide a display that allows for relatively larger indicia to bedisplayed;

provide a display surface that can be formed into a large variety ofshapes;

provide a moveable display surface that can be guided into variousshapes;

create additional suspense for players by increasing the length of timebetween the start of a game and the display of the game outcome;

allow players to control the movement of a moving display surface;

provide the illusion that the player can influence the outcome of agame;

provide a game that allows for more player interaction;

utilize intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event andthe awarding of the bonus prize; and

provide an additional element of anticipation and excitement forplayers.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatusthat includes a display device that has a moveable display surface. Themoveable display surface comprises several indicia. One or more guidetracks retain at least a portion of the moveable display surface suchthat the guide track can alter a position of the moveable displaysurface. An actuator is coupled with the moveable display surface suchthat the actuator can move the moveable display surface. A controller isin communication with the actuator and can position the display surfacesuch that at least one of the indicia conveys a game outcome.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method ofplaying a game. The method includes determining a game outcome andmoving a display surface. The display surface has several indicia. Thedisplay surface is guided using a guide track to form a concave portionof the display surface. The display surface is guided using a roller toform a convex portion of the display surface. The display surface isstopped, and at least one of the indicia is indicated as the gameoutcome.

In an additional embodiment, the present invention comprises a gamingapparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable displaysurface. The moveable display surface has several indicia. A guide trackretains a portion of the moveable display surface. The guide trackalters a position of the moveable display surface. An actuator iscoupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator canmove the moveable display surface. An indicator is positioned adjacentto the display surface to indicate at least one of the indicia. Acontroller is in communication with the actuator and the indicator. Thecontroller can move the display surface and position the indicator suchthat in combination, the display surface and the indicator convey a gameoutcome.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises gamingapparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable displaysurface. A guide track retains a portion of the moveable displaysurface. The guide track alters a first shape of the moveable displaysurface as the moveable display surface is moved. A roller supports aportion of the moveable display surface. The roller alters a secondshape of the moveable display surface as the moveable display surface ismoved. An actuator is coupled with the moveable display surface suchthat the actuator can move the moveable display surface. A controller isin communication with the actuator and can direct the actuator to movethe display surface.

In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises a gamingapparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable band. Themoveable band has an inner surface and an outer surface. A first set ofrollers is positioned adjacent the inner surface for supporting themoveable band, and a second set of rollers is positioned adjacent theouter surface for supporting the moveable band. An actuator is coupledwith the moveable band such that the actuator can move the moveableband. A controller is in communication with the actuator and can causethe moveable band to move.

In an additional embodiment, the present invention includes a gamingapparatus that has a display device with a moveable band. The moveableband has an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a secondend. Several indicia are disposed on the outer surface. A first reel iscoupled to the first end of the moveable band, and a second reel iscoupled to the second end of the moveable band. A first actuator iscoupled to the first reel such that the first actuator can rotate thefirst reel. A second actuator is coupled to the second reel such thatthe second actuator can rotate the second reel. A controller is incommunication with the first and second actuators such that thecontroller can control movement of the moveable band.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the present invention so that the detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood andcontributions of the present invention to the art may be betterappreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the inventionthat will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims.In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment ofthe invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited in its application to the details of the construction and tothe arrangement of the components set forth in the following descriptionor as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 a is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of thegaming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 1 b is substantially a schematic diagram showing components of anembodiment of the gaming apparatus.

FIG. 2 a is substantially a partial perspective view of an embodiment ofa display device of a prize display.

FIG. 2 b is substantially a perspective view of the display device shownin FIG. 2 a with a band on which indicia are affixed.

FIG. 3 is substantially a side elevation view of one embodiment of apositioning mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gamingapparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of agaming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is substantially a front perspective view of an embodiment of agaming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is substantially a side elevation view of an embodiment of agaming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is substantially a front view of a gaming apparatus according tothe present invention, including a cut away view showing the interior ofthe gaming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gamingapparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is substantially a perspective view of the gaming apparatus ofFIG. 15 with the housing removed.

FIG. 17 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gamingapparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is substantially a side view of a guide track and band.

FIG. 19 is substantially a cross-sectional view of a guide track andband.

FIG. 20 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to thepresent invention using the apparatus of FIGS. 15-19.

FIG. 21 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gamingapparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gamingapparatus of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is substantially a side elevation view of one embodiment of apositioning mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to thepresent invention using the apparatus of FIGS. 21-23.

FIG. 25 is substantially a flowchart of another gaming method accordingto the present invention using the apparatus of FIGS. 21-23.

FIG. 26 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gamingapparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gamingapparatus of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to thepresent invention using the apparatus of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part of this application. The drawings show, by way ofillustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

As seen in FIG. 1 a, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus,generally indicated by reference number 10. In at least one embodiment,gaming apparatus 10 comprises a second display 12 and a primary gamingdevice 14. Gaming device 14 may be any of a large number of devices thatare adapted to allow players to play a game, such as gaming devicestypically found in arcade and casino environments, including arcadegames, video games, gambling machines, video poker machines, slotmachines, etc. In at least one embodiment, gaming device 14 is furtheradapted to allow a player to place a wager and play a game, such as aslot machine.

Gaming device 14 may include a wager or value acceptor for acceptingvalue (including currency and/or currency equivalents), such as a coinslot 16, card reader 18, or a voucher reader 19. In addition, a payoutmechanism (not shown) and a coin receptacle 20 may be provided forawarding prizes or for dispensing value to players cashing out andretiring from a game. A printer (not shown) may also be provided forprinting out cashless vouchers (not shown). A handle 22 and an inputdevice 24 may be provided for activating gaming device 14 to begin agame. A pay table (not shown) may further be provided to allow a playerto see what symbol or combination of symbols provide a winning event. Inat least one preferred embodiment, gaming device 14 may be a S2000 or SPlus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technologyin Reno, Nev.

Gaming device 14 may further include a gaming outcome display 28 thatmay be positioned in front of the gaming device 14 so that a player (notshown) playing gaming device 14 can see gaming outcome display 28.Gaming outcome display 28 may utilize physical game reels 30, 32, and34. Game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be attached to a drive mechanism (notshown) of gaming device 14 to rotate the reels in a manner well known inthe art. Each game reel 30, 32, and 34 may have a plurality of symbolspositioned on the circumference of each game reel 30, 32, and 34. Gamereels 30, 32, and 34 may be positioned side-by-side with coincident axesof rotation, and a portion of their individual circumferences may faceoutward from gaming device 14.

A panel 36 may cover game reels 30, 32, and 34 such that only a portionof their individual circumferences are shown to the player. At least onesymbol from any of game reels 30, 32, and 34 may be used to display agame outcome. At least one pay line 38 may be provided for the player touse in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or a combinationof symbols positioned thereon. In an alternative embodiment, gamingoutcome display 28 utilizes a video display (FIG. 1 b) displaying imagesof game reels and an image of at least one pay line. A video display mayalso display game symbols in many other formats and arrangements, suchas playing cards. Of course, the invention is not limited to anyparticular type of gaming outcome display 28. Those of skill in the artwill recognize that many different types of gaming outcome displayscould be substituted without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Gaming apparatus 10 may include a second display 12 configured todisplay at least one game and prize to a player. In at least oneembodiment, second display 12 is configured to display a bonus game andat least one bonus prize to the player. In other embodiments, seconddisplay 12 may provide a primary game. Alternatively, second display 12may be a stand-alone device allowing a player to place a wager and playa game.

In at least one embodiment, second display 12 is attached to gamingdevice 14 and positioned on top of gaming device 14. In otherembodiments (not shown), second display 12 may be separate from gamingdevice 14 but in communication with gaming device 14. In thisembodiment, second display 12 may be in communication with a pluralityof different gaming devices 14 via a computer network in a manner thatis well known in the art. Second display 12 may also be positionedadjacent to or remote from gaming device 14. In other embodiments,second display 12 is a stand-alone display not in communication withgaming device 14, and it may be capable of independently acceptingwagers, conducting games, and awarding prizes to a player.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 a, second display 12 may comprise ahousing 40. Housing 40 may be arc-shaped and comprise a plurality ofwalls defining an internal space or cavity. Of course, housing 40 may bemade in many different shapes. Second display 12 also may have anindicator 43. Indicator 43 may be a variety of indicators, including twoand three-dimensional indicators.

Indicator 43 and display device 42 may be positioned within housing 40.Indicator 43 may be configured to move vertically (up and down) relativeto second display 12 in response to signals sent either by a controller(not shown) or a combination of an input device (not shown) and acontroller (not shown). The number of indicators 43 may vary, and thedirection of their movement may vary, and may include horizontal,zigzag, and/or diagonal movements.

The shape or appearance of indicator 43 may be designed in various formsand, preferably according to a theme of a game. In the example shown inFIG. 1 a, the theme of the game is a gaming device that awards playerswith vacations. Accordingly, indicator 43 is in the form of avacationing person in a swimming outfit and in a swimming floatationtube. Indicator 43 may include a pointer portion 64. Pointer portion 64may be configured to point to at least one indicium 44. Alternatively,indicator 43 may itself be a pointer, such as an arrow. The presentinvention is not limited to any particular type of indicator or pointer,or any particular representation of an indicator or pointer.

Indicia 44 may be affixed, imprinted, engraved, or otherwise representedon display device 42. Display device 42 may have indicia 44 arranged inrows 44 a-c. Each row 44 a-c may include multiple indicia 44. Indicia 44may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers,descriptions or representation of merchandise or services, progressiveprizes, or jackpot prizes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a, displaydevice 42 is configured to present moveable indicia 44, which may movein various directions. As shown in FIG. 1 a, indicia 44 movehorizontally, or on a rotational axis parallel to the vertical movementof indicator 43. Of course, indicia 44 could be configured to move upand down, that is, display device 42 may have a horizontal rotationalaxis.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide display devices42 with indicia 44 moving on a first axis and an indicator 43 moving ona second axis, wherein the moveable indicator 43 is able to indicate anindicia 44 on the display device, which may be configured to move on anaxis orthogonal to the axis of indicator 43.

Referring now to FIG. 1 b, a schematic diagram of some components thatmay be included in certain embodiments of gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1 a)is shown. Gaming apparatus 10 may include value acceptor 16, 18, and 19configured to accept value from the player in the form of papercurrency, coins, player cards, tickets, vouchers, tokens, or other formsof value. Value acceptors 16, 18, and 19 may be in communication withcontroller 51. Controller 51 may be in communication with an inputdevice 24. Controller 51 may detect insertion of value into valueacceptors 16, 18, and 19, and may prompt the player to start a game byactivating input device 24. Once controller 51 senses a signal to startthe game, controller 51 may be configured to produce a random number andactivate reel mechanism 53 of gaming device 14. Reel mechanism 53 may beconfigured to display indicia (including symbols, characters, numbers,letters, pictures, and the like) on game reels 30, 32, and 34 accordingto the random number generated by controller 51. Alternatively,controller 51 may be configured to produce a random number and activatea video display 55 of reel images on gaming device 14. The video display55 of reels may be configured to display indicia in video form accordingto the random number generated by controller 51. The primary game ofgaming device 14, whether in physical form or in video form, is notlimited to reel-type games, but may include card games, dominoes,roulette, craps, baccarat, and other games.

Gaming apparatus 10 may further include speakers 69 and 70, housinglights 59, display device 42, indicator 43, and pointer portion 64 incommunication with controller 51. Controller 51 may store bonus eventinformation and may have the ability to detect bonus events.

Upon an occurrence of a bonus event, controller 51 may activate speakers69 and 70, housing lights 59, and display device 42, which causesindicia 44 to move. Controller 51 may cause indicator 43 to move aroundan area adjacent to display device 42. Controller 51 may then causeindicator 43 to stop, and pointer portion 64 to point to one of theindicia 44 on display device 42. Housing lights 59 and speakers 69 and70 together may create a festive and lively winning atmosphere to elicitinterest and entertainment from both the player and adjacent patrons.

In at least one embodiment, when gaming apparatus 10 is not in use,indicator 43, housing lights 59, and display speakers 69 and 70 may beactivated by controller 51 in an attract mode. Housing lights 59 mayoperate, blink or flash, and indicator 43 may dance or move in achoreographed manner according to music coming from speakers 56. It maybe desirable that indicator 43 not point to an indicium 44 at theconclusion of the attract mode in order that players close to gamingdevice 10 do not mistakenly believe they are entitled to a prize.Controller 51 may activate display device 42 and indicator 43 upon theoccurrence of a bonus event.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, in at least one embodiment, displaydevice 42 (FIG. 1 a) comprises a flat piece of material or band 46wrapped around a plurality of rollers 48 and 50. Rollers 48 and 50rotate band 46 about an axis 47. Rollers 48 and 50 may be rotatablyconnected to chassis 52 and 54 and may be connected to an actuator (notshown). Band 46 has indicia 44 thereon. Indicia 44 may be affixed toband 46 by various methods. Indicia 44 may be imprinted on band 46 indifferent configurations depending on the desired appearance of indicia44 when band 46 is presented on second display 12. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 a, band 46 may move from left to right relative tosecond display 12 or vice-versa. Thus, indicia 44 are displayed inhorizontal rows.

In at least one embodiment, a light matrix 56 is positioned behind band46 to back-light indicia 44. Light matrix 56 may comprise light emittingdiodes (LEDs), fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, or otherillumination devices that may make band 46 more attractive. A suitabledisplay device 42 may be obtained from Starpoint Electronics Ltd. ofChessington, UK (model FM2).

In another embodiment, display device 42 may comprise at least oneconventional reel assembly (not shown). A conventional reel assemblytypically includes at least one chassis, an axle attached to thechassis, and a reel attached to the axle. The reel and chassis aretypically coupled to an actuator that drives the axle, thereby rotatingthe reel. The reel typically has a strip of material attached to thecircumference of the reel. Indicia are typically affixed to the strip ofmaterial by methods known in the art. Conventional reel assemblies maybe joined in series, typically in a set of three.

The reel assembly may be positioned within housing 40 (FIG. 1 a) so thatthe reel rotates about either a horizontal or vertical axis. Displaydevice 42 may utilize the reel assemblies described in co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 09/894,197, filed Jul. 27, 2001 and U.S.application Ser. No. 09/968,952, filed Oct. 1, 2001, which areincorporated herein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/894,197discloses reel shelf assemblies arranged vertically so that each reelrotates about a vertical axis. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/968,952discloses reel shelf assemblies having reels that are positioned at anangle relative to each other, side-by-side so that their chassis areaway from the two reels positioned adjacent to each other, orcombinations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3, indicator 43 (FIG. 1 a) may be coupled to apositioning mechanism 72 by a bracket 74. Positioning mechanism 72 maybe located within the confines of housing 40. A slot 76 in the frontwall of housing 40 may be provided, which allows bracket 74 to passthrough the front wall. Positioning mechanism 72 may comprise a wormgear 78 rotatable by an actuator 80. In at least one embodiment,actuator 80 is attached to a first wheel 84. Worm gear 78 may beattached to a second wheel 86. A drive belt 82 preferably rotates aroundthe first wheel 84 and second wheel 86, thereby connecting actuator 80and worm gear 78. Positioning mechanism 72 may communicate with acontroller 81, which may store information regarding pre-determinedpositions of band 46 of display device 42. Sensors 88 and 90 arepreferably in communication with controller 81 and may be provided toallow controller 81 to detect the position of indicator 43. Otherdevices may be used to detect the position of indicator 43, such asoptical readers and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a positioning mechanism150 is shown. Positioning mechanism 150 may be a vertically positionedworm gear 152 that is caused to rotate by an actuator 154. Indicator 43may be attached to worm gear 152 by a bracket 156 that is attached to anut 158 threaded on worm gear 152. A slot 160 may be provided in thefront wall of second display 12 (FIG. 1 a), which allows bracket 156 topass through the wall. Sensors 162 may be provided to allow controller140, or other control mechanisms (not shown), to detect the position ofindicator 43. While indicator 43 is shown to move vertically in FIG. 4,it may be moved in any desired manner, including horizontally,diagonally, or in a non-linear fashion, such as in a rotating or zigzagmanner.

In another embodiment, a wheel (not shown) may be attached to actuator154. The periphery of the wheel may have at least one notch detectableby a sensor (not shown) and used by a bonus game controller 141 or agame controller 140 to monitor the position of indicator 43. Wheel andworm gear 152 may be rotated together by actuator 154. The sensormonitors the position of indicator 43 by detecting the notch. Bonus gamecontroller 141 or game controller 140 may store information pertainingto the number of times the sensor has detected the notch and thecorresponding position of moveable indicator 43. An optical interrupt(not shown) may be provided to reset the indicator position information.The sensor may be an infrared source and detector. In alternativeembodiments, the periphery of the wheel may comprise portions withdifferent reflective characteristics, such as absorbent paint lines,instead of a notch on the wheel. Actuators 80 (FIG. 3) and 154 may be astepper motor, a servo motor, a gear motor, a solenoid, a rack andpinion, or other actuators known in the art.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, an electronic controller 140 thatutilizes a random number generator 142 may control gaming device 14(FIG. 1 a). Random number generator 142 produces a random or pseudorandom number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determinedby comparing the random number produced by random number generator 142to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller140. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and differenttables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed sothat different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded.Such design techniques are well known in gaming and are described above.Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued toTelnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham, which are herebyincorporated by reference. Controller 140 may cause gaming outcomedisplay 28 (FIG. 1 a), e.g., game reels 30, 32, and 34, to display anoutcome that corresponds to the random number generated by random numbergenerator 142. Of course, gaming device 14 may operate in many otherways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.

Gaming device 14 may also be capable, via controller 140 or othercontrol mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activating event.This event may be many different types of events. For example, abonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as displaying aparticular symbol, e.g., a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols,such as a “7” symbol on each of game reels 30, 32, and 34 (FIG. 1 a). Ifthe game being played is poker based, the bonus-activating event may bean occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, abonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number ofsymbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. Forexample, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receivesthree “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus-activatingevent may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activatingevent may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result. Sensors(not shown) may be provided external to gaming device 14 to detectexternal bonus-activating events.

Bonus game controller 141 may further be provided to detect when a bonusactivating event occurs in gaming device 14. Gaming device controller140 may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activatingoutcome occurs, gaming device controller 140 may transmit a signal tobonus game controller 141. Alternatively, bonus game controller 141 mayperiodically interrogate gaming device controller 140. Bonus gamecontroller 141 and gaming device controller 140 may be a singlecontroller or separate controllers. In at least one embodiment, gamingdevice controller 141 is the GAM 2000 controller, available from EagleEngineering of Pottstown, Pa.

The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (notshown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,823,874 to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference.A simple pay table may also appear as follows: TABLE 1 Random NumberAmount Paid 0.00 to 0.50 $10.00 0.51 to 0.75 $50.00 0.76 to 0.95 ×2 0.96to 1.00 $10,000.00

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.45 as the gameoutcome, the controller may cause indicator 43 (FIG. 1 a) to stop andpointer portion 64 (FIG. 1 a) to point to an indicium representing tendollars. Alternatively, if the random number generator produced a valueof 0.85, the controller may cause indicator 43 to stop and pointerportion 64 to point to an indicium 44 representing a multiplier of 2.The controller may then cause bonus meter 68 (FIG. 1 a) to display“10×2=20,” (assuming a base prize of ten dollars) and $20.00 would beawarded to the player.

The bonus selection process may be repeated for a predetermined numberof times to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form theaward to the game player. For example, the bonus game could be repeatedthree times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limitedto the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonusprizes may be awarded, such as progressive prizes, jackpot prizes,merchandise, services, prize multipliers, and additional games. Othereffects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers69 and 70 (FIG. 1 a).

Speakers 69 and 70 may be configured to announce a prize a player haswon, play music during a prize winning event, announce features of thegame offered by gaming apparatus 10, or play music to attract andentertain patrons. Additionally, a variety of graphics and lights,preferably designed according to a particular theme, are displayed onsecond display 12 (FIG. 1 a). If the awarded bonus prize is money, theamount of the bonus prize may be added to the player's credit meter (notshown), may be dispensed to the player via a voucher or other cashlessdevice, may be dispensed to coin receptacle 20 (FIG. 1 a), or anattendant may be summoned to award the prize to the player.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a gaming apparatus 100,similar to gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1 a), is shown. Prize display 102of gaming apparatus 100 may comprise display device 42. In thisembodiment, band 46 is configured to move vertically around a horizontalaxis of rotation. Prize display 102 also may comprise an indicator 104that is similar to indicator 43 (FIG. 1 a). Indicator 104 may have anappearance that conforms to a theme of the game, which is a detectivegame in this embodiment. Thus, indicator 104 may look like a detective,such as a man wearing a trench coat and a hat. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, indicator 104 moves horizontally. Indicator 104may have a pointer portion 106. As shown in FIG. 5, pointer portion 106is in the form of the detective's magnifying glass. The magnifying glassmay be real or fake. If it is desired to have a functioning magnifyingglass, the magnifying glass may comprise a standard magnifying lens, afresnel lens, or other device known in the art. Pointer portion 106 maybe configured to substantially cover an indicium selected by thecontroller (not shown) and magnify the indicium for the player to see.The mechanism for driving indicator 43, described above and shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, may be used for driving indicator 104.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a gaming method 110 is shown wherein a playerstarts to play a game at step 111. A controller, such as controller 51,81, 140 or 141, determines whether a prize event has occurred in step112. If a prize event has occurred, the controller produces a randomnumber at step 114. At step 116, the random number may be used to selecta prize. At step 118, the controller may activate display device 42. Atstep 120, the controller may cause indicator 43 or 104 to move.Optionally, at step 122, the controller may allow a player to controlthe movement of indicator 43 or 104 by prompting the player to press oneor more buttons (such as a button to move indicator 104 right and abutton to move indicator 104 left) or another input device, such as atouch-pad, a joystick, or a mouse. At step 124, the controller causesindicator 43 or 104 to stop. Optionally, at step 126, the controllerstops indicator 43 or 104 upon the activation of an input device by theplayer. At step 128, the controller causes display device 42 to stop ina manner that would make indicator 43 or 104 point to the correspondingsymbol that would indicate the prize selected based on the random numberpreviously generated by the controller. At step 130, the prize may bedisplayed on the bonus meter. Steps 118 to 128 may be repeated apredetermined number of times, and the sum of the prize values may bedisplayed. Lights and sounds may be generated to create a festiveatmosphere. At step 132, a total prize may be awarded to the player. Thecumulative prize may be multiplied by a multiplier in order to obtainthe total prize. The multiplier may be fixed or randomly determined.

It is noted that the flowchart in FIG. 6 shows only one possibleembodiment. Some of the steps in the flowchart may be varied, changed inorder, or eliminated and still fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 shows an additional alternate embodiment of a gaming deviceaccording to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a gaming device 200having a gaming apparatus 202 and a gaming display 204, which maydisplay all or part of a bonus game or primary game. Gaming apparatus202 may be configured similarly to previously discussed embodiments, andmay include a plurality of mechanical or video reels 210 located onprimary game display 208. A plurality of indicia 212 may appear on reels210. A pay line 226 may be included to assist players in determiningwhether they have won the game. Value acceptors, including a coinacceptor 228 and bill acceptor 224, may be included. The player mayactivate the game via button 218 or an arm 216.

Game apparatus 202 may operate in conjunction with gaming display 204.The appearance of one or more indicia 212 on pay line 226 may entitlethe player to play gaming display 204. An example of bonus qualifyingindicia is indicium 214.

Gaming display 204 may contain a band of material 240 that rotates abouta plurality of rollers 246. Band 240 may have a plurality of indicia 244appearing thereon. Indicia 244 may indicate various prizes. Band 240 mayhave an edge 256.

Band 240 may resemble a printing press, including a magazine printingpress, a newspaper printing press, and a money printing press. As shownin FIG. 7, a least a portion of rollers 246 are arranged such that band240 is displayed at a first position 268 of gaming display 204 locatedtowards the front of gaming display 204. Band 240 then may be directedto a second position 270 of gaming display 204, such as passing behindroller 274, where band 240 is located more in an interior portion ofgaming display 204. Band 240 may then be directed to a third position272, which may be in the same plane as first position 268, locatedtowards the front of gaming display 204. In this way, band 240 mayappear to be passing through a printing press.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, band 240 appears to be a sheet of uncut papercurrency, such as might be produced by the U.S. Treasury Department.Indicia 244 may appear to be currency bills having various values.Indicia 244 may indicate prizes such as an award of currency or credits,merchandise, services, game play, jackpots, and progressive prizes. Band240 may have a variety of different indicia 244 imprinted, or otherwiseappearing thereon.

Band 240 may be constructed from any suitable material. Band 240 may beconstructed from a flexible material, such as various types of vinyl,plastic, rubber materials, and the like. The use of a flexible materialmay prevent band 240 from tearing or creasing when it is moved. Thematerial used to construct band 240 may be transparent or translucent,allowing band 240 to be backlit.

Band 240 may be coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown in FIG. 7) sothat band 240 may be rotated about rollers 246. In operation, band 240may be actuated prior to a bonus prize being awarded to the player.Indicia 244 that may be awarded may appear in a particular area, such asdisplay area 260, for display to the player. Display area 260 may belighted or otherwise brought to the player's attention.

In at least one embodiment, an indicator 250 is included that may pointto particular indicia 244. Indicator 250 may be configured to point toan indicium 244 that conveys the outcome of gaming display 204. As shownin FIG. 7, indicator 250 is moveable in a horizontal manner. However,gaming display 204 is not limited to any particular configuration, andindicator 250 may move vertically, diagonally, or in a non-linearmanner, as desired by the game designer. Indicator 250 may be lit, suchas by lights 252, in order to make indicator 250 more attractive and tocall attention to indicator 250. In at least one embodiment, indicator250 is illuminated only when gaming display 204 is active or when gamingdisplay 204 is in an attract mode (such as has been previouslydescribed).

At least one advantage of band 240, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is that itmay provide a relatively long path length. Accordingly, it may allow formore and/or larger indicia 244 to be included on band 240. A transparentbezel 256 may be mounted to the housing to cover the edge 256 of band240.

FIG. 8 illustrates certain components of a band display 300 that may beincluded in a gaming device according to the present invention,including that depicted in FIG. 7. Band display 300 may include adisplay device 302. FIG. 8 illustrates band 240 wrapped around aplurality of rollers 246. In at least one embodiment, all rollers 246are idler rollers that simply guide band 240 about the interior ofgaming display 204. One suitable roller is model number E8S001-01-ZZZZavailable from Starpoint Electronics, Ltd. of Chessington, UK. A drivenroller may be included to drive band 240. Driven roller 320 may be incommunication with an actuator 310 in order to drive rotation of drivenroller 320. One suitable driven roller is model E8S002-01-ZZZZ fromStarpoint.

In at least one embodiment, band 240 is driven simply by frictionalcontact with roller 320. However, other arrangements may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,roller 320 may have a portion with teeth (not shown) that could engageslots or holes (not shown) in band 240.

Actuator 310 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors,including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors. Actuator 310may rotate a shaft 312 in connection with a wheel 314. A belt 316 maylink wheel 314 to a shaft 318 of driven roller 320. Rotation of shaft312 drives wheel 314 which in turn drives belt 316. The rotational forceis passed from belt 316 to shaft 318. Rotation of shaft 318 may driverotation of roller 320. Frictional contact with rotating driven roller320 moves band 240. Optionally, an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) canbe included on the opposing side of band 240 in order to increase thefrictional contact of band 240 with driven roller 320.

In another embodiment, actuator 310 may be a stepper motor rotating adrive gear (not shown). The drive gear may be in communication with aspur gear (not shown) driving an idler shaft (not shown). The idlershaft in turn may be in communication with driven roller 320. The idlershaft may also used to help transfer power to the side of band 240 notlocated by actuator 310.

In at least one embodiment, band 240 may pass over an area proximateindicator 250. As shown in FIG. 8, indicator 250 may be attached to aworm gear 340. Worm gear 340 may be in communication with a suitableactuator 332, such as a servo motor, stepper motor, or the like.Indicator 250 may be attached to a bracket 342. Bracket 342 may bethreadably attached to worm gear 340.

In at least one embodiment, indicator 250 includes one or more lights252 in order to call attention to indicator 250 and make indicator 250more attractive. Lights 252 may be of any suitable type, including lightemitting diodes (LEDs). Both lights 252 and indicator actuator 332 maybe in communication with a controller, such as controller 360.

Controller 360 may direct lights 252 to illuminate and deactivate inaccordance with game events, such as the execution of an attract mode,or a game outcome qualifying a player to play gaming display 204.Controller 360 also may direct the movement of indicator 250. Forexample, controller 360 may move indicator 250 upon activation of gamingdisplay 204. Controller 360 may direct indicator 250 to stop, such aswhen a player activates player input device 222.

Controller 360 also may determine the position of indicator 250, forexample if the controller is preset with the starting position ofindicator 250, controller 360 may track the position of indicator 250 byknowing in which direction (or directions) indicator 250 was moved, howfast it was moved, and for what period of time. Depending on theactuator 332 used, actuator 332 may provide feedback as to the positionof indicator 250 (for example, if an indexing stepper motor is used).

It may be beneficial to provide an additional position sensor forindicator 250. Those of skill in the art will recognize that varioustypes of sensors could be used to track the position of indicator 250.In one embodiment, optical sensors are used. For example, an infraredsignal generator may be included on one side of worm gear 340 (FIG. 9).An infrared detector may be placed on the other side of worm gear 340(FIG. 9). When indicator 250 is not in between the generator anddetector, the detector detects the infrared signal. When indicator 250is interposed between the signal generator and detector, the detectordoes not detect a signal. Therefore, when the signal is interrupted,controller 360 knows the position of indicator 250. Such a positioningsystem may be a useful way to calibrate indicator 250.

Of course, other systems can be used, or additional signal generatorsand detectors used, including those that may allow for constant trackingof indicator 250. For example, an optical sensor (not shown) may beattached to bracket 342. Optical readable indicia and patterns may beplaced along worm gear 340. As bracket 342 travels along worm gear 340the sensor may read the indicia or patterns and communicate the positionof indicator 250 to controller 360.

Controller 360 may also be in communication with a housing 328 that mayhave a plurality of lights 330. Lights 330 may be any suitableillumination device, including LEDs, fluorescent lamps, and incandescentlamps. Lights may be arranged in an array 334. Lights 330 may beactivated by signals sent from controller 360 in response to gameevents. Lights 330 may be used to backlight band 240. Illumination ofband 240 may result in a more appealing look for gaming display 204 andcall more attention to the area of band 240 on which indicator 250 mayindicate a prize.

Housing 328 may also contain a guide 326. Guide 326 may provide asurface to help position band 240. For example, guide 326 may helpmaintain band 240 in a taut position, and keep band 240 from wrinkling,creasing, tearing, or getting caught in any of the actuating mechanisms,including the actuating mechanism for indicator 250.

Controller 360 may also be in communication with a positioning systemfor band 240. It may be beneficial to be able to track the position ofband 240. For example, when a game outcome is determined, it isimportant to make sure that indicator 250 points to the appropriateindicium or indicia on band 240.

Many suitable positioning systems can be used, including those used forindicator 250. For example, an infrared signal source 362 can beincluded on one side of band 240. An infrared detector 364 may belocated on the opposing side of band 240. Infrared blocking materialsmay be placed at one or more locations on band 240. By tracking when theinfrared signal is blocked, controller 360 may be able to calibrateand/or constantly track the position of band 240 and any indiciaappearing thereon.

In an alternative embodiment, a side of band 240 contains a series ofholes (not shown), cut-out portions, or similar optical interrupts. Theoptical interrupts may be read by an optical reader (not shown). Theoptical interrupts may convey the position of band 240 to controller360.

Of course, gaming display 204 may be calibrated by the gaming operatorfrom time to time, and position data from actuator 310, such as anindexing stepper motor, may also be used to track the position of band240.

In at least one embodiment, the components of band display 300 shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 are modular in nature. That is, band 240, indicator, 250,and their actuating mechanisms may be added and removed from a gamingdevice as a unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a hook 304 having aslot 306 may be attached to the frame of band display 300, such as byfasteners 308, such as bolts or rivets. A receiver (not shown), such asa bar, may be provided within the gaming device for attachment to hook304.

FIG. 9 presents an alternate view of a gaming device according to thepresent invention. Portion 370 is a cut away view of the inner portionof an embodiment of gaming display 204. Portion 372 is an outer view ofthe embodiment.

In FIG. 9, it can be seen that in at least one embodiment, rollers 246are fitted with a plurality of wheels 380. Wheels 380 may be made of amaterial that maintains strong frictional contact with band 240. Wheels380 are preferably constructed of, or coated with, a relativelynon-abrasive material so as not to damage band 240. For example, wheels380 may be made of various types of rubber, plastic, and similarmaterials.

Rollers 246 may be provided with a tensioning system that may both helpmaintain the position of rollers 246, and maintain pressure on rollers246 in order to ensure that band 240 is taut. The tensioning system mayinclude a base 381, which may be mounted to the frame of gaming display204 (FIG. 7). Base 381 may be coupled to a biasing device 383, such as aspring. Biasing device 383 may be coupled to a moveable mounting area385. Moveable mounting area 385 may be moved along a track 387. Moveablemounting area 385 may include a plate 389 that is mounted to biasingdevice 383.

Roller 246 may include a pin 391 and a shaft end 393. Pin 391 may beheld within roller mounting area 395. Roller mounting area 395 mayinclude a raised area defining a hole (not shown). When roller 246 isinserted, biasing device 389 will push roller 246 against band 240.Roller 246 may then rotate about pin 391 while keeping band 240 taut.

FIG. 9 also provides additional detail for a suitable actuator andpositioning system for indicator 250. As was previously described,indicator 250 may be attached to worm gear 340 by bracket 342. Worm gear340 may be actuated by actuator 332. Actuator 332 maybe attached topulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley). A belt 384 (which may be atiming belt) may be attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timingpulley) and in contact with shaft end 386 of worm gear 340. Apositioning system, such as infrared signal generator 390 and infrareddetector 392, may be included in order to assist in tracking theposition of indicator 250. In at least one embodiment, actuator 332 isstepper motor model HT23-396, available from Applied Motion Products ofWatsonville, Calif.

In at least one embodiment, bracket 342 is configured to resist rotatingas it travels along worm gear 340. One way this may be achieved is toinclude a rail 343 that runs parallel to worm gear 340. Bracket 342 maybe coupled to rail 343. Rail 343 will prevent bracket 342 from rotating,while allowing linear movement along worm gear 340.

Turning now to portion 372 of FIG. 9, there is illustrated a number ofindicia 244 appearing on band 240. As shown in FIG. 9, indicia 244 arerepresentations of faux paper currency having various representations.Of course, any suitable indicia 244 may be placed on band 240. Indicia244 may be chosen to be relevant to a theme of gaming device 200, orgaming display 204, such as the “Bank Roll” theme shown in FIGS. 7 and9.

Indicia 244 may represent prizes that a player may be awarded. Forexample, indicia 394 may represent an amount of money or gaming credits.Indicia 396 may represent a multiplier by which the player's winningsfrom one or more gaming rounds may be multiplied. Indicia 398 mayrepresent special awards, such as a good, a service, a jackpot, or aprogressive amount. Of course, indicia 244 may represent many otherprizes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, portion 372 may include a slot 388. A portion ofindicator 250 or bracket 342 may extend through slot 388. Slot 388 mayallow indicator 250 to be displayed to the player, and actuated, buthides the inner workings of gaming display 204 (FIG. 7) from the player.Of course, other means of hiding the inner workings of gaming display204, including the actuation system for indicator 250, from the playercould be used. For example, rather than a slot, the actuation mechanismcould be located below the area of gaming display 204 viewable by theplayer. Indicator 250 could be attached to the actuation mechanism inthis area, and then extend upward into the area viewable by the player.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, in certain embodiments pointer 250moves along a first axis. Band 240 (which may function as a displaysurface) moves along a second axis. Indicia 244 appearing on band 240move along the second axis as band 240 moves. In certain embodiments,the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. The first and secondaxes may be used to define a coordinate system, with each indicia 244appearing on band 240 corresponding to a specific coordinate in thesystem. Controller 360 may be programmed with the coordinates of eachindicia 244, allowing controller 360 to ensure that the proper indiciumor indicia 244 corresponding to a game outcome is displayed once band240 and indicator 250 are stopped.

One method of operation 500 of an embodiment of the present invention,such as the device depicted in FIG. 7, is illustrated in FIG. 10. A gameis presented to a player in step 502. At decision 504, method 500 checksto see if the player has placed a wager. If not, method 500 returns tostep 502.

If the player places a wager at decision 504, method 500 proceeds todetermine a game outcome in step 506. The outcome is presented to theplayer at step 508. At decision 510, method 500 checks to see if thegame outcome determined in step 506 is an outcome qualifying the playerto play a bonus game. If not, method 500 proceeds to step 512 and awardsthe player any prizes awarded according the game outcome determined instep 506, and returns to step 502.

If it is determined in step 510 that the game outcome of step 506qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 500 proceeds to step 514.At step 514, gaming display 204 is activated. This may includeactivation of band 240, indicator 250, and player input device 222.Lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more excitingto the player and those around the player, as well as to call attentionto the device.

Method 500 then proceeds to step 516 where band 240 is actuated. In step518, the player may be allowed to control the movement of indicator 250using player input device 222. For example, in the device depicted inFIG. 7, the player may be allowed to move the indicator left and right,and to stop the indicator at a desired location.

Method 500 proceeds to decision 520, which checks to see whetherindicator 250 has been stopped. If indicator 250 has not been stopped,method 500 returns to step 516 and continues to move band 240 and allowthe player to move indicator 250.

If decision 520 determines that the player has stopped indicator 250,method 500 proceeds to step 522. At step 522, a controller (which may becontroller 51, 81, 140, 141, or 360) continues to move band 240 untilthe indicium corresponding to the game outcome is indicated by indicator250. Method 500 then awards any prizes to the player in step 524 andreturns to step 502.

Of course many variations of this method can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. For example, the game outcomedetermined in step 506 can include both the outcome of the primary gameand the bonus game. Alternatively, the bonus game outcome can bedetermined in a separate step once the bonus game begins.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method where band 240 moves at the same time aplayer is positioning indicator 250. In another embodiment, band 240 maybe stationary while the player positions indicator 250. Once the playerhas chosen a position for indicator 250, band 240 can be moved until theappropriate indicium is indicated by indicator 250.

The player could be allowed to select the position of indicator 250 in avariety of ways. For example, the player could be provided withdirectional buttons and a stop button. Alternatively, indicator 250could be moved in an automated fashion by controller 360. The playercould activate a stop button when indicator 250 is at the position theplayer desires.

As may be apparent from the above description, it may be desirable toarrange indicia 244 on band 240 such that enough of each type of indicia244 are included in order that any indicia can be indicated by indicator250 at any position to which indicator 250 is moved. For example, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, indicia 244 are illustrated asappearing in a matrix of rows and columns, with indicator 250 beingpositionable at a particular column. Accordingly, it may be beneficialto have at least one of the indicia 244 representing each prize that maybe awarded appear on at least one row of each column of band 240.

An alternative method of operation 600 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Steps602-612 may correspond to steps 502-512 described above. At step 614,gaming display 204 may be activated, including band 240, indicator 250,and player input device 222. Lights and sounds may be activated, aspreviously described. Band 240 and indicator 250 are moved at step 616.

Decision 618 checks to see whether player input device 222 has beenactivated. If input device 222 has not been activated, method 600returns to step 616. If player input device 222 has been activated, band240 is stopped at step 620. Band 240 may be stopped quickly or maygradually come to a stop.

Method 600 then proceeds to step 622. At step 622, indicator 250 ismoved to indicate the indicium or indcia conveying the outcome of thebonus game. Any prizes are awarded in step 624, and then method 600returns to step 602.

Method 600 may be configured to allow a player to stop band 240 in aspecific position, or simply to choose when band 240 will begin to stop.If the player is allowed to choose a specific position for band 240, itmay be desirable to have at least one of each prize represented byindicia 244 that may be awarded appear on each row of band 240. Ofcourse, if the player may not choose the exact position of band 240, itmay be less desirable to include every indicia 244 on each row. Indeed,not allowing the player to choose an exact position for band 240 mayallow a greater variety of indicia 244 to be presented on band 240.

Another gaming method 700 is illustrated in FIG. 12. Steps 702-712 maycorrespond to steps 502-512 and 602-612 described above. At step 714,one or more player input devices are activated that allow a player toselect one or more specific indicator positions. For example, indicia244 on band 240 could be formed in a plurality of columns. The playerinput device(s) may allow a player to position indicator 250 by aspecific column.

At step 716, method 700 checks to see if the player has provided input.If not, method 700 cycles back to step 714 until input is provided. Oncethe player has provided input, method 700 proceeds to step 718 and movesindicator 250 to the position selected by the player. At step 720, thedisplay is moved so that indicator 250 points to the indicium conveyingthe game outcome. Any prize or prizes are awarded in step 722 and thenmethod 700 may return to step 702.

In an alternative embodiment, the player may be allowed to choose aposition after the game is begun. In any embodiment, the player's choiceof position for indicator 250 might be reflected on band 240, such asilluminating a column of band 240 corresponding to the pre-set positionof indicator 250 chosen by the player.

Various additions, subtractions, and permutations of the steps in theabove described methods can be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. For example, the player may be allowed to selectboth the position of indicator 250 and to indicate when band 240 shouldbegin to stop (although not the final position of band 240). The morethe player is allowed to interact with gaming apparatus 202, the morecontrol over the outcome of the game the player may feel, which may makethe game more enjoyable to the player. Of course, regulatory concernsmay dictate that the player's perceived control be largely or completelyillusionary.

Methods of operating gaming display 204, including methods 500, 600, and700, may be set to automatically stop band 240 and/or indicator 250after a certain time. For example, controller 360 could be programmed toautomatically stop indicator 250 and/or band 240 after the passage of acertain amount of time, such as thirty seconds. While it may bebeneficial to give the player some interaction with gaming display 204,it may also be desirable to ensure that each game round completes in atimely fashion.

Of course, certain embodiments of the present invention, such as method800 of FIG. 13, may employ no player input. Steps 802-812 may correspondto steps 502-512 of FIG. 10. At step 814, indicator 250 is moved to aposition, which may be randomly selected by controller 360. At step 816,band 240 may be moved so that indicator 250 points to an indiciumconveying the game outcome. Any prizes may be awarded at step 818 beforemethod 800 returns to step 802. Of course, steps 814 and 816 may bereversed or presented simultaneously. Also, band 240 could be randomlymoved, with indicator 250 being moved to indicate the game outcome.

Another method 900 of game play that may be used with embodiments of thepresent invention, including that of FIG. 5, is shown in FIG. 14. Method900 may award two types of prizes, illustrated in FIG. 5 as criminalprizes 108 or clue prizes 109. Of course, the prizes could be called orrepresent various things, have different values than those that will bedescribed, and could be represented by images other than thosespecifically illustrated. After a game has begun, indicator 250 is movedat step 902. Band 46 is moved at step 904. A player input device isactivated and the gaming device waits for player input at decision 906.If no player input is provided, method 900 cycles back to step 902. Ifinput is provided, method 900 proceeds to step 908.

At step 908, indicator 250 is stopped. At step 910, band 46 is stoppedso that indicator 250 indicates the indicium conveying the game outcome.Decision 912 checks to see if the indicium is a clue award or a criminalaward. If the indicium is a criminal award, method 900 adds a criminalprize to the total prize at step 914. The total prize is awarded to theplayer at step 916.

If decision 912 determines that the indicium is a clue prize, method 900proceeds to decision 918. Decision 918 checks to see whether the playerhas obtained a maximum number of clues, for example, 4. If not, method900 proceeds to step 920 and adds a clue prize to the total prize andgame play continues at step 902.

If decision 918 determines that the player has obtained the maximumnumber of clues, method 900 awards a jackpot prize at step 922, and gameplay ends.

Although embodiments of the invention described and depicted in FIGS.7-14 have been described as a bonus game in conjunction with a primarygame, the present invention is not so limited. For example, gamingdisplay 204 (FIG. 7) could be configured as a primary game. A playercould make a wager and gaming display 204 could indicate winning andlosing outcomes and dispense prizes accordingly. Also, rather than beingattached to a primary gaming device, gaming display 204 could be locatedapart from gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7). Gaming display 204 could alsobe connected to multiple gaming apparatuses 202. The present inventionis not limited to a particular configuration or configurations.

Movable Belt with Guide Tracks Embodiment

With reference now to FIGS. 15-19, an additional embodiment of a gamingdevice according to the present invention is shown. Gaming device 1500has a gaming display device 1502. Gaming device 1500 can be a bonus gamethat can be mounted in a housing 1001 in conjunction with a gamingapparatus 202 as shown in FIG. 7. A front panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001.

Gaming display device 1502 can have a belt or band 240 that is supportedfor rotational movement by rollers 246. Band 240 can have and outsidesurface 240A, an inner surface 240B, a pair of outer peripheral edges orsides 240C and 240D and a display surface 241. Band 240 can be aflexible belt that is formed in a continuous loop. Band 240 can beformed from any suitable material such as rubber or plastic. Band 240can be partially transparent such that band 240 can be backlit by lights330 that are mounted in a housing 328 as was previously described.Controller 360 is in communication with lights 330 and can control theoperation of lights 330. Band 240 can have a display surface 241.Various indicia 244 are arranged in rows 1560 and columns 1570 ondisplay surface 241 to form a matrix 1565. Indicia 244 can be printed onband 240.

Controller 360 can rotatably control the position of band 240 using anactuator 310 driving driven roller 320 in the same manner as previouslydescribed for FIG. 7. Controller 360 is in communication with actuator310. The position of band 240 can be monitored by controller 360 using asensor formed by source 362 and detector 364.

Gaming display device 1502 can include several band guide portions,guide channels or guide tracks 1520. Guide tracks 1520 can be mounted tohousing 1001 and extend along all or a portion of each edge 240C and240D of band 240. Guide tracks 1520 are used to guide and form band 240into a variety of shapes as band 240 is moved or rotated by actuator310. For example, guide tracks 1520 can guide band 240 inwardly suchthat a concave area 1510 is formed by band 240. Guide tracks 1520 canhave a curved, arched, straight or rounded shape. Guide tracks 1520 canguide portions of band 240 into other shapes such as convex areas orareas with various degrees of sloping, flat or curved surfaces. Guidetracks 1520 can be made from various materials such as metal or plastic.The use of guide tracks 1520 can eliminate the use of the central roller246 (FIG. 7). Guide tracks 1520 can shape band 240 into complex shapesthat cannot be formed by the use of rollers alone. The use of guidetracks 1520 can also reduce wear on band 240.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show two different cross-sectional views of guide track1520 and band 240. Guide track 1520 can include ends 1520A and 1520B andside sections 1522 and 1524 that extend from an outer end section 1526.Inner ends 1528 and 1530 face toward band 240. A channel or slot 1534 islocated between side sections 1522 and 1524. A spherical, circular orrounded portion 1536 may be formed in guide track 1520 and may beconnected with slot 1534.

A ball or bead 1550 is formed on sides or edges 240C and 240D of band240. Bead 1550 has a larger dimension than the width of slot 1534.Therefore, bead 1550 fits into and is retained in circular portion 1536.A gap 1538 is formed between bead 1550 and circular portion 1536. Asband 240 is moved by controller 360 and actuator 310, bead 1550 slidesthrough circular portion 1536 along the length of guide track 1520 andis moved inwardly or positioned to form a concave area or cavity 1510.Guide tracks 1520 can be used to form or position band 240 into othershapes such as convex, sloped or flat.

While guide tracks 1520 were shown to form the shape of band 240, aseries of rollers (not shown) positioned on each side of the belt couldalso be used to form the shape of band 240.

After band 240 is stopped, a game outcome 1580 (FIG. 15) can be conveyedor indicated by illuminating a portion or set of lights 330 behind band240. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the indicium 244 having a value of60 credits is shown illuminated as the game outcome. Controller 360 cancontrol and select the movement and stop position of band 240 andfurther can control the illumination of lights 330.

A method of operating gaming device 1500 of FIGS. 15-19 is shown in FIG.20. In method 2000, a player places a wager on a primary gaming deviceat step 2002. At step 2004, the player plays a base game on the basegaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7). At decision 2006, method 2000 checks tosee if the game outcome determined in step 2004 is an outcome qualifyingthe player to play a bonus game. If not, method 2000 proceeds to step2008 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined in step2004, and returns to step 2002.

If it is determined in step 2006 that the game outcome of step 2004qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 2000 proceeds to step2010. At step 2010, the bonus game outcome is determined. At step 2012,gaming display device 1502 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 and lights 330. Other lights and sounds may also be activatedto make the event more exciting to the player and those around theplayer, as well as to call attention to the device.

Method 2000 then proceeds to step 2014 where band 240 is moved orrotated. This may include using guide tracks 1520 to form band 240 intovarious shapes. At step 2016, band 240 is stopped. A portion of lights330 are illuminated behind one of the indicia 244 on band 240 at step2018. Method 2000 then awards any prizes to the player in step 2020.

Waterfall Game Embodiment

With reference now to FIGS. 18-19 and 21-23, an additional embodiment ofa gaming device 2100 according to the present invention is shown. Gamingdevice 2100 has a gaming display device 2102. Gaming device 2100 can bea bonus game that can be mounted in a housing 1001 in conjunction with agaming apparatus 202 as shown in FIG. 7. A front panel 1503 is mountedto housing 1001.

Game display device 2102 can have a prize band 240 that is supported forrotational movement by rollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. Band 240 canhave a display surface 241. Band 240 can have and outside surface 240A,an inner surface 240B and a pair of outer peripheral edges or sides 240Cand 240D. Band 240 can have a bead 1550 that is retained by guide track1520 as was previously described in FIGS. 18 and 19. Bead 1550 can causeband 240 to slide through guide track 1520.

Band 240 can be a flexible belt. Band 240 can be driven by controller360 and actuator 310. Band 240 can be backlit by lights 330 that aremounted in a housing 328 as was previously described. Various indicia2130 can be displayed at prize positions 2125 on display surface 241.Prize positions 2125 can simulate or appear to be rocks printed ondisplay surface 241.

Gaming device 2100 can have a game theme of a waterfall such as NiagaraFalls. Gaming device 2100 can include various waterfall features such asa falling river or rapids 2110, waterfall 2115 and a pool 2120. Displaysurface 241 can be printed to resemble water. When band 240 is moved,the water can appear to move to an observer. A pool of water 2120 can beformed by a flat panel mounted in front of band 240.

A falling river or rapids 2110 can be formed by the combination ofseveral rollers 246 and several guide tracks 1520 at the top of gamingdisplay device 2102. Rollers 246 and guide tracks 1520 cause band 240 tomove or undulate up and down as band 240 is rotated or moved. Rollers246 guide band 240 upwardly forming a convex portion 1509 and guidetracks 1520 guide band 240 downwardly forming concave portions 1510.Display surface 241 undulates between rollers 246 and guide tracks 1520.The movement of band 240 over rollers 246 and through guide tracks 1520appears to simulate the motion of a river with rapids.

A moveable mechanical indicator 2140 can be mounted to housing 1001between pool panel 2120 and band 240. Indicator 2140 can appear to be aboat such as a rescue boat or a fishing boat. As shown in FIG. 23,indicator 2140 may be coupled to a positioning mechanism 72 by a bracket74. Positioning mechanism 72 may be located within the confines ofhousing 1001. Positioning mechanism 72 may comprise a worm gear 78 thatis rotatable by an actuator 80.

In at least one embodiment, actuator 80 is attached to a first wheel 84.Worm gear 78 may be attached to a second wheel 86. A drive belt 82 mayrotate around the first wheel 84 and second wheel 86, thereby connectingactuator 80 and worm gear 78. Positioning mechanism 72 may communicatewith a controller 360, which may store information regardingpre-determined positions of band 240. Sensors 88 and 90 can be incommunication with controller 360 and may be provided to allowcontroller 360 to detect the position of indicator 2140. Other devicesmay be used to detect the position of the indicator, such as opticalreaders.

Lights 2145 can be mounted on indicator 2140. Lights 2145 can be lightemitting diodes and can be connected with and controlled by controller360.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22, a game outcome 2135 can beconveyed or indicated by moving band 240 and indicator 2140, such thatone of the prize positions 2125 are aligned above indicator 2140. Lights2145 can further be illuminated to draw attention to the game outcome.In the example shown in FIG. 21, indicator 2140 indicates the indicium2135 having a value of 20 credits as the game outcome.

Player input devices 2160 and 2165 can be mounted to housing 1001.Player input devices 2160 and 2165 can be buttons. Player input devices2160 and 2165 can be used by a game player to control the position ofindicator 2140. Player input device 2160 moves indicator 2140 to theleft and player input device 2165 moves indicator 2140 to the right.After a player moves indicator 2140 using player input devices 2160 and2165, controller 360 then moves and stops band 240 to select an indicium2130 to be awarded.

Gaming device 2100 can be operated such that a player playing gamingdevice 2100 appears to view water falling over waterfall 2115 and a gameoutcome indicated by a boat 2140.

A method of operating gaming device 2100 of FIG. 21 is shown in FIG. 24.In method 2400, a player places a wager on a primary gaming device atstep 2402. At step 2404, the player plays a base game on the base gamingapparatus 202 (FIG. 7). At decision 2406, method 2400 checks to see ifthe game outcome determined in step 2404 is an outcome qualifying theplayer to play a bonus game. If not, method 2400 proceeds to step 2408and notifies the player of the game outcome determined in step 2404, andreturns to step 2402.

If it is determined in step 2406 that the game outcome of step 2404qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 2400 proceeds to step2410. At step 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. At step 2412,gaming display device 2102 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 and indicator 2140. Other lights and sounds may also beactivated to make the event more exciting to the player and those aroundthe player, as well as to call attention to the device.

Method 2400 then proceeds to step 2414, where band 240 is moved orrotated. At step 2416, indicator 2140 is moved. Band 240 is stopped atstep 2418. Indicator 2140 can by stopped by controller 360 at step 2420.Method 2400 then awards any prizes indicated by the combination of theindicator 2140 and band 240 to the player in step 2422.

Another method of operating gaming device 2100 of FIG. 21 is shown inFIG. 25. In method 2500, a player places a wager on a primary gamingdevice at step 2402. At step 2404, the player plays a base game on thebase gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7). At decision 2406, method 2500 checksto see if the game outcome determined in step 2404 is an outcomequalifying the player to play a bonus game. If not, method 2500 proceedsto step 2408 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined instep 2404, and then returns to step 2402.

If it is determined in step 2406 that the game outcome of step 2404qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 2500 proceeds to step2410. At step 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. At step 2412,gaming display device 2102 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 and indicator 2140. Other lights and sounds may also beactivated to make the event more exciting to the player and those aroundthe player, as well as to call attention to the device.

Method 2500 then proceeds to step 2414, where band 240 is moved orrotated. At step 2416, indicator 2140 is moved. Indicator 2140 can bystopped by controller 360 at step 2502. Band 240 is stopped at step2504. Method 2500 then awards any prizes indicated by the combination ofthe indicator 2140 and band 240 to the player in step 2422.

Vehicle Game Embodiment

Turning to FIGS. 26 and 27, an additional embodiment of a gaming device2600 according to the present invention is shown. Gaming device 2600 hasa gaming display device 2602. Gaming device 2600 can be a bonus gamethat can be mounted in a housing 1001 in conjunction with a gamingapparatus 202 as shown in FIG. 7. A front panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001.

Gaming display device 2602 can have a prize band 240 that is supportedfor rotational movement by rollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. Band 240can have a display surface 241. Band 240 can be a flexible belt. Band240 can have and outside surface 240A, an inner surface 240B and a pairof outer peripheral edges or sides 240C and 240D. Band 240 can have abead 1550 that is retained by guide track 1520 as was previouslydescribed in FIGS. 18 and 19. Bead 1550 can cause band 240 to slidethrough guide track 1520.

Band 240 can be backlit by lights 330 that are mounted in a housing 328as was previously described. Various prize indicia 2630 can be displayedat prize positions 2625 on display surface 241. Prize positions 2625 cansimulate or appear to be trees printed on display surface 241.

Gaming device 2600 can have a game theme of a car driving on a road or arace track. Gaming device 2600 can include various road features such asa road 2610, hills 2612, dips in the road 2615, grass or field areas2618 and road signs 2620. Display surface 241 can be printed with thevarious road features.

Convex hills 2612 can be formed in road 2610 by band 240 passing overrollers 246. Concave dips 2615 can be formed by band 240 moving throughguide tracks 1520 causing band 240 to be guided downwardly. Rollers 246and guide tracks 1520 cause band 240 to move or undulate up and down asband 240 is rotated or moved. Rollers 246 guide band 240 upwardlyforming a convex portion 1509 and guide tracks 1520 guide band 240downwardly forming concave portions 1510. The movement of band 240through rollers 246 and guide tracks 1520 appears to simulate the motionof a winding road with dips and hills.

A vehicle or mechanical indicator 2640 can be mounted to housing 1001 infront of display 240. Vehicle indicator 2640 can appear to be a vehiclesuch as a car or truck. Indicator 2640 can also be formed to simulateother vehicles such as a boat, plane, train or motorcycle. Indicator2640 can be coupled to and moved by a positioning mechanism 72 through abracket 74. Indicator 2640 and positioning mechanism 72 can operate thesame as previously described for indicator 2140 of FIG. 23. The positionof indicator 2640 can be controlled by controller 360 and actuator 80.Lights 2645 can be mounted on indicator 2640. Lights 2645 can be lightemitting diodes and can be connected with and controlled by controller360.

With continued reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a game outcome 2635 can beindicated by moving band 240 and indicator 2640, such that one of theprize positions 2625 are aligned above indicator 2640. Lights 2645 canfurther be illuminated to draw attention to the game outcome. In theexample shown in FIG. 26, indicator 2640 indicates the indicium 2635having a value of 50 credits as the game outcome. The game outcome isindicated by the combination of the indicia on the display surface andthe indicator. The movement of band 240 behind car 2640 can simulate themotion of a car traveling down a road.

Player input devices 2660 and 2665 can be mounted to housing 1001.Player input devices 2660 and 2665 can be buttons. Player input devices2660 and 2665 can be used by a game player to control the position ofindicator 2640. Player input device 2660 moves indicator 2640 to theleft and player input device 2665 moves indicator 2640 to the right.After a player moves and stops indicator 2640 using player input devices2660 and 2665, controller 360 then moves and stops band 240 to select anindicia 2630 to be awarded. Gaming device 2600 can be operated using thesame methods that were shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 for gaming device 2100.

Snaking Band Embodiment

FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of a gaming device in accordance withthe present invention. Gaming device 2800 has a gaming display device2802. Gaming device 2800 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with a gaming apparatus 202 as shown in FIG.7. A front panel 1503 is mounted to housing 1001.

Game display device 2802 can have a prize band 2810 that issignificantly longer than the prize band 240 of FIGS. 7 and 8. Band 2810is supported for rotational movement by sets of rollers 246 and 2830.Rollers 246 are in contact with inner surface 2813 and rollers 2830 arein contact with outer display surface 2812. Band 2810 can have an outerdisplay surface 2812 and an inner surface 2813. Band 2810 can be acontinuous flexible belt. Band 2810 may have portions that are at leastpartially transparent.

Gaming display device 2802 may be mounted in housing 1001 using brackets2825. Brackets 2825 may be connected between idle rollers 246 and drivenroller 320 and housing 1001. Several brackets may be used to attachgaming display device 2802 within housing 1001.

Band 2810 can be backlit by lights 330 that are mounted in a housing 328as was previously described. Band 2810 can be moved or rotated bycontroller 360 causing actuator 310 to rotate driven roller 320. Source362 and detector 364 can provide controller 360 with a position signalabout the position of band 2810.

Gaming display device 2802 can have a band guide section 2820 thatcauses the band to move back and forth or to move in a snake-likemanner. Band guide section 2820 may have dozens or hundreds of rollers.The band is woven or wound around rollers 2830. The use of additionalrollers allows for the storage of a longer length of band 240 by windingthe band around the additional rollers. Band guide section 2820comprises rollers 246 and 2830 that band 2810 rolls over. The use ofband guide band guide section 2820 within housing 1001 allows for alonger length of band 2810. Because band 2810 is longer, a larger numberof indicia can be displayed on band 2810. One of the indicia on band2810 can be indicated as a prize or game outcome. Band 2810 can be usedin place of band 240 in the gaming device embodiments that werepreviously described. Guide tracks (not shown) could also be used withband 2810.

Rollers 246 and 2830 could also be arranged in band guide section 2820such that the band moves vertically between rollers instead ofhorizontally as shown in FIG. 28.

Reel to Reel Embodiment

FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a gaming device 2900 in accordancewith the present invention. Gaming device 2900 has a gaming displaydevice 2902. Gaming device 2900 can be a bonus game that can be mountedin a housing 1001 in conjunction with a primary gaming apparatus 202 asshown in FIG. 7. A front panel 1503 is mounted to housing 1001.

Gaming display device 2902 can have rolls or reels of a wide band orbelt of flexible material 2910 that is significantly longer than prizeband 240 of FIGS. 7 and 8. Wide band or belt 2910 is supported formovement between reels 2920 and 2930. Wide belt 2910 is wound on reels2920 and 2930. Wide belt 2910 can have an end 2914 and an end 2915. End2914 can be wound onto reel 2920 and end 2915 can be wound onto reel2930. Wide belt 2910 can have an outer display surface 2912 and an innersurface 2913. Wide belt 2910 can have portions that are at leastpartially transparent. Wide belt 2910 can be backlit by lights 330 thatare mounted in a housing 328 as was previously described. Wide belt 2910can also contain a wide variety of indicia (not shown) as was previouslydescribed in conjunction with band 240.

Gaming display device 2902 may be mounted in housing 1001 using brackets2925. Brackets 2925 may be connected between reels 2920, 2930 andhousing 1001. Several brackets may be used to attach gaming displaydevice 2902 within housing 1001.

Reel 2920 is driven by an actuator 2928. Actuator 2928 may be any numberof suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gearmotors, and servo motors. Actuator 2928 may rotate a shaft 2927 inconnection with a wheel 2926. A belt 2924 may link wheel 2926 to anotherwheel 2922. Wheel 2922 is connected to reel 2920. Rotation of shaft 2927drives wheel 2926, which in turn drives wheel 2922 and reel 2920.Therefore, actuator 2928 can rotate reel 2920. The rotation of actuator2928 can be reversed such that reel 2920 can be rotated in bothdirections. Optionally, an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) can beincluded on the opposing side of a portion of wide belt 2910 in order totake up any slack and maintain proper tension on wide belt 2910.

Another reel 2930 is driven by an actuator 2938. Actuator 2938 may beany number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including steppermotors, gear motors, and servo motors. Actuator 2938 may rotate a shaft2937 in connection with a wheel 2936. A belt 2934 may link wheel 2936 toanother wheel 2932. Wheel 2932 is connected to reel 2930. Rotation ofshaft 2937 drives wheel 2936 which in turn drives wheel 2932 and reel2930. Therefore, actuator 2938 can rotate reel 2930. The rotation ofactuator 2938 can be reversed such that reel 2930 can be rotated in bothdirections.

Actuators 2928 and 2938 are in communication with and can be controlledby controller 360. Source 362 and detector 364 can provide controller360 with a position signal about the position of wide belt 2910.

Controller 360 can cause actuators 2928 and 2938 to rotate in acoordinated manner such that wide belt 2910 passes over rollers 246 andcan be viewed through a transparent window 2950 by a game player. Widebelt 2910 would be unwound from reel 2920 and wound on reel 2930. Whenthe wide belt 2910 approaches the end of its length, source 362 anddetector 364 provide controller 360 with a signal that the end of thewide belt 2910 is approaching. Controller 360 then reverses therotational direction of reels 2920 and 2930 such that wide belt 2910 isunwound from reel 2930 and wound onto reel 2920. The direction ofrotation of the reels would be reversed each time that the end of thelength of wide belt 2910 is approaching.

The use of reels 2920 and 2930 allows for a longer length of flexiblebelt or band material 2910 to be stored on gaming device 2900. Becausewide belt 2910 is longer, a larger number of indicia can be displayed onwide belt 2910. One of the indicia on wide belt 2910 can be indicated asa prize or game outcome. Wide belt 2910 can be used in place of band 240in the gaming device embodiments that were previously described.

A method of operating gaming device 2900 of FIG. 29 is shown in FIG. 30.In method 3000, a player places a wager on a primary gaming apparatus atstep 2402. At step 2404, the player plays a base game on the base gamingapparatus 202 (FIG. 7). At decision 2406, method 3000 checks to see ifthe game outcome determined in step 2404 is an outcome qualifying theplayer to play a bonus game. If not, method 3000 proceeds to step 2408and notifies the player of the game outcome determined in step 2404, andreturns to step 2402.

If it is determined in step 2406 that the game outcome of step 2404qualifies the player for a bonus game, method 3000 proceeds to step2410. At step 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. At step 2412,gaming display device 2902 is activated. This may include rotation ofreels 2920 and 2930, movement of belt 2910, and activation of lights330. Other lights and sounds may also be activated to make the eventmore exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as tocall attention to the device.

Method 3000 then proceeds to step 2414, where wide belt 2910 is moved.At decision step 3002, controller 360 checks to see if wide belt 2910 isapproaching one end or the end of its length. If controller 360 detectsthe end of wide belt 2910 is approaching, method 3000 proceeds to step3004, where the rotational direction of reels 2920 and 2930 is reversed.If controller 360 does not detect the end of wide belt 2910 approaching,method 3000 proceeds to step 3006 where wide belt 2910 is stopped. Atstep 3008, a portion of back lights 330 are illuminated behind wide belt2910 such that a game outcome is indicated. Method 3000 in step 3010then awards any prizes that were indicated to the player in step 3008.

In another method of playing gaming device 2900, belt 2910 may beadvanced in one direction during a game sequence and then rewound whengaming device 2900 is not being played.

Various Band Shapes Embodiment

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of a gaming device 3100 in accordancewith the present invention. Gaming device 3100 has a gaming displaydevice 3102. Gaming device 3100 can be a bonus game that can be mountedin a housing 1001 in conjunction with a primary gaming apparatus 202 asshown in FIG. 7. A front panel 1503 is mounted to housing 1001.

Gaming display device 3102 is similar to gaming display device 2602 ofFIG. 27. Gaming display device 3102 has a rotatable band 240 that can befashioned into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Band 240 can have anouter surface 240A, inner surface 240B, a pair of side edges 240C and240D. A Bead 1550 can be mounted to each of edges 240C and 240D.

Band 240 may be formed into sloped, concave, convex, arched and flatband shape. The various band shapes are produced using guide tracks 1520and rollers 246. The use of guide tracks 1520 was previously describedin conjunction with FIGS. 18 and 19. Indicia 244 can be disposed on band240 as was shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

For example in FIG. 31, a hidden U-shaped section 3110 is formed byrollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. Hidden section 3110 could be used tohide various indicia 244 (FIGS. 15 and 16) from a game player.Controller 360 may control actuator 310 such that band 240 is movedforward allowing a game player to view an indicia or may be movedbackward where the indicia becomes hidden in U-shaped section 3110.

A convex section 3120 can be formed by guide tracks 1520. A concavesection 3140 may be formed by guide tracks 1520. A flat section 3130 canbe formed between guide tracks 1520 and roller 246. Therefore, band 240may further be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes usingguide tracks 1520 and rollers 246.

CONCLUSION

It can thus be realized that certain embodiments of the presentinvention provide a highly attractive and entertaining device fordisplaying prizes. Certain embodiments of the present invention furtherprovide a moveable indicator to indicate a bonus prize. Thus, certainembodiments of the present invention can easily catch patrons' attentionand invite patrons to play the game. Certain embodiments may furthercause players to play longer because the display device enhances theanticipation, stimulation, and excitement experienced by players.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention shouldbe determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents ratherthan by the examples given.

1. A gaming apparatus comprising: (A) a display device having a moveabledisplay surface, the moveable display surface comprising a plurality ofindicia; (B) at least one guide track retaining at least a portion ofthe moveable display surface, the guide track being adapted to alter aposition of the moveable display surface; (C) at least one roller, theroller supporting at least a portion of the display surface; (D) anactuator coupled with the moveable display surface such that theactuator can move the moveable display surface; and (E) a controller incommunication with the actuator, the controller being configured to movethe display surface such that the display surface undulates between theguide track and the roller.
 2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe guide track has a slot that extends along the guide track.
 3. Thegaming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the moveable display surface has anedge, the edge having a bead.
 4. The gaming apparatus of claim 3,wherein the bead is retained by the slot.
 5. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the controller positions the display surface such thatat least one of the indicia indicates a game outcome.
 6. The gamingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the moveable display surface simulatesmoving water.
 7. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein an indicatoris positioned adjacent the display surface, the indicator beingconfigured to indicate at least one of the indicia.
 8. A method ofgaming not necessarily in the order shown, comprising: (A) determining agame outcome; (B) moving a display surface, the display surface having aplurality of indicia; (C) guiding the display surface using a guidetrack to form a concave portion of the display surface; (D) guiding thedisplay surface using a roller to form a convex portion of the displaysurface; (E) stopping the display surface; and (F) indicating at leastone of the indicia as the game outcome.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the game outcome is indicated by a moveable indicator.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein a player is allowed to move the indicatorusing a player input device.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thedisplay surface undulates as it moves through the convex and concaveportions.
 12. A gaming apparatus comprising: (A) display device meansfor displaying a plurality of indicia, the indicia being adapted tocommunicate a game outcome; (B) actuator means for moving the displaydevice means, the actuator means being coupled with the display devicemeans; (C) guide means for positioning the display device means into atleast two shapes; (D) indicator means for indicating at least one of theindicia as the game outcome; (E) controller means for controllingmovement of the display device means, the controller means being incommunication with the actuator means, the controller means beingconfigured to move the display device means and to stop the displaydevice means.
 13. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the displaydevice means further comprises a flexible belt having an inner surface,an outer surface, and a pair of edges.
 14. The gaming apparatus of claim13, wherein the guide means further comprises a guide track that has aslot, the edge being retained in the slot.
 15. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the guide means further comprises at least one roller,the roller being in contact with the inner surface.
 16. A gamingapparatus comprising: (A) a moveable display surface; (B) a plurality ofindicia disposed on the display surface; (C) at least one guide trackretaining at least a portion of the moveable display surface, the guidetrack being adapted to alter a position of the moveable display surface;(D) at least one roller supporting at least a portion of the moveabledisplay surface, (E) an actuator coupled to the moveable displaysurface; and (F) a controller in communication with the actuator, thecontroller being configured to: (a) determine a game outcome; (b) movethe moveable display surface; and (c) stop the moveable display surfacesuch that at least one of the indicia conveys the game outcome.
 17. Thegaming apparatus of claim 16, wherein the moveable display surfacesimulates moving water.
 18. The gaming apparatus of claim 16, wherein anindicator is mounted adjacent to the moveable display surface.
 19. Thegaming apparatus of claim 18, wherein the indicator is shaped toresemble a boat.
 20. The gaming apparatus of claim 18, wherein a panelis mounted adjacent to the indicator.
 21. The gaming apparatus of claim18, wherein a player input device is in communication with thecontroller, the player input device allowing a player to position theindicator.